PHOTO: LRA Deputy Commissioner General, Gabriel Montgomery speaking in Buchanan
Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – June 12, 2026–The week-long celebration marking the 78th anniversary of International Archives Week has ended in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, with renewed calls for the modernization and digitization of Liberia’s archival system.
The event, organized by the Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA), also known as the National Archives, was held under the global theme “Archives for Justice, Rights, Memory, and Futures” and Liberia’s national theme, “Liberia’s Records, Our Rights, and Our Future.”
This year’s celebration featured exhibitions, a street parade, indoor programs, and sporting activities, all aimed at raising awareness about the importance of preserving Liberia’s historical records.
Serving as guest speaker at the closing ceremony, the Deputy Commissioner for Technical Services at the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Gabriel Montgomery, stressed the urgent need for Liberia to modernize its records management system through digitization.
Hon. Montgomery described archives as the “living memory of a nation,” emphasizing their critical role in promoting justice, accountability, and national development.
“Archives are not merely old papers stored in cabinets or forgotten boxes gathering dust.
They tell us where we have been, who we are, and where we are going,” Montgomery said.
He noted that proper record keeping is essential for safeguarding citizens’ rights, protecting land ownership, preserving marriage records, and ensuring transparency in government.
According to him, without reliable archives, citizens could face difficulties verifying legal documents while government institutions may struggle to maintain accountability.
“This is why archives matter.
Every marriage certificate preserved is a family’s legal protection. Every land deed secured is a safeguard against conflict.
Every government record maintained is evidence of accountability and transparency,” he added.
Montgomery, however, acknowledged the serious challenges facing Liberia’s National Archives, including poor storage conditions, the risk of damage and deterioration of records, and the country’s continued dependence on paper-based systems.
He warned that valuable national documents remain vulnerable to destruction from fire, water, and human error, stressing that digitization is no longer optional but a necessity.
“We must move boldly toward digitizing our archives and records management systems.
Digitization ensures that records are preserved, protected, and accessible for future generations,” he said.
He explained that a digital records management system would improve public service delivery, reduce fraud, minimize delays, and strengthen public trust in government institutions.
Montgomery envisioned a future where Liberians can securely access and verify land deeds, marriage records, tax files, birth certificates, and other important documents through digital platforms.
He further noted that digital archives would support education, research, investment, economic growth, and national planning.
The LRA official stressed that achieving such a transformation would require strong government commitment, increased funding, improved infrastructure, staff training, modern equipment, and robust cybersecurity measures.
He also encouraged collaboration with development partners, academic institutions, and technology experts to advance Liberia’s archival modernization agenda.
In a special statement delivered on behalf of the Director General of the National Archives, Hon. D. Nelson Bearngar, Special Assistant and Chief of Office Staff George M. Woodtor said the Director General had wished to attend the celebration but was unable due to health reasons.
Mr. Woodtor used the occasion to appeal to the Liberian government and international partners for urgent support to strengthen and modernize the country’s archival system.
He highlighted the deteriorating condition of the National Archives building in Sinkor, Monrovia, which houses Liberia’s historical records dating back to the 1800s, describing the facility as inadequate and unsafe.
According to him, the building faces challenges, including leaking roofs and limited preservation facilities, putting vital historical records at risk.
Mr. Woodtor disclosed plans for the construction of a multipurpose modern records center that will serve as a hub for preserving records and training personnel in records management.
He also called for the renovation of heritage institutions, including the National Public Library on Ashmun Street, the Tubman Library and Museum in Harper, Maryland County, and the Tubman Library for African Culture in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County.
He revealed that only about 10 percent of Liberia’s archival records have been digitized due to inadequate funding, low budgetary support, and years of national instability.
The National Archives concluded the celebration by renewing its call for increased budgetary support and stronger collaboration with development partners, including UNESCO, UNDP, foreign missions, educational institutions, and cultural heritage organizations.
The 2026 International Archives Week celebration in Buchanan brought together stakeholders from across Liberia to reflect on the role of archives in governance, justice, and national development, with a strong commitment to preserving the country’s history for future generations.